When you test ride a bike with drop bars test in the dropped position a little, but really spend the time on the hoods...

A non-competitive rider spends most of their riding time on the hoods and flats. You can do 90% of your riding on the hoods, and only go to the drops when yuou are fighting a head wind. Then after riding a while if you find you like being in the drops more, then they're there... if you go flat bar, you don't have the option.

That said, I wouldn't worry about what other people think, but I would also add my vote to avoid the shock... I went rigid last year on my Sedona DX... I like the handling much better.

Also, depending on your age, and how much you still have to grow, I would choose a bike on the large end of what "fits" so that you don't out grow it so soon.